Current issue #23, 2017

PharmVestnik # 23, 18/07/2017

Two Erkapharm + three ROSTA pharmacy chains to merge

Consolidation in the pharma retail segment saw a large deal as ROSTA Group sold its pharmacy business to Erkapharm. The merger started immediately after the sale was agreed upon, although the deal itself would close by the end of the year. The united pharmacy chain will be an absolute leader in St. Petersburg, and is likely to make its way to the TOP3 federal chains. Experts note that if Erkapharm team works diligently, the company may evolve as the second largest pharmacy chain in Russia. The question of ROSTA Group’s future remains open. Will the company continue selling out its assets or work out a new strategy?

[PharmVestnik # 23, 18/07/2017, p. 1, cont’d p. 5]

Insurers willing to service direct contracts between manufacturers and pharmacies

Insurance of trade credits has become a common service for pharma companies operating in the Russian market. To date, these were mainly manufacturers insuring payments related to product shipments to distributors. Recently, pharmacies have started purchasing directly from manufacturers, too. There is a limited number of such customers, but insurance companies do not object against them. The only conditions are transparency of operations, and access to information.

[PharmVestnik # 23, 18/07/2017, p. 2]

EAEU authorities not entitled to reject NDAs drafted to union’s regulations

Until December 31, 2025, manufacturers should bring their new drug applications (NDAs) in line with the EAEU regulations. There was enough time for drilling them as it took long to approve the relevant documents. May 6, 2017, was the starting point for the EAEU common market. However, none of pharma companies has filed its NDA in accordance with the new regulations so far.

[PharmVestnik # 23, 18/07/2017, p. 3]

Advances of palliative care arrangement discussed in Moscow

Sixty percent of opioid analgesics manufactured in Russia are used by Moscow medical and preventive institutions (MPIs) as well as palliative care centers for incurable disease patients. According to expert estimations, 56 thousand people in Moscow need palliative care. Currently, about 70% of patients die at hospitals, and 30% — at home. Such data was provided on July 3 by the speakers of the joint meeting of health and social policy committees of Moscow City Duma. Deputies, physicians, MPI heads, health officials, and lead experts of Moscow Health Department discussed palliative care issues in ...